Shock to BJP, new energy to Congress, but split in opposition

June 4, 2024: Changing political scenario of results

The results of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 changed the course of Indian politics. BJP won but was reduced to only 240 seats, whereas 400 seats were being claimed. Congress, on the other hand, was happy with securing 99 seats and saw it as its success after a long time. With the total number of opposition seats reaching 230, the Narendra Modi government had to resort to allies like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu to remain in power.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called it his victory and said,
“We have shaken Narendra Modi’s confidence.”
Although BJP supporters considered it a setback, politics soon took a turn.

Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir elections: BJP’s comeback and opposition’s decline

Within a few months, BJP regained its lost confidence.

• Haryana Election:
  Despite the impact of the farmers’ movement, BJP returned to power. It was believed that Congress was in a strong position, but the results turned out to be the opposite.
• Jammu and Kashmir elections:
  opposition alliance INDI Alliance got victory, but Congress remained very weak.
  • Kashmir: Even Congress’s account has not been opened.
  • Jammu: Congress’s performance was disappointing.

Mahayuti’s victory in Maharashtra and blow to INDI Alliance

The results of Maharashtra proved to be a big blow to the opposition alliance.

• The BJP-led grand alliance regained power.
• Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister again.

After this defeat, Congress raised questions on EVMs. However, many opposition leaders rejected it.

• Omar Abdullah:
  He said, “It is not right to blame EVMs without proof.”
• Mamata Banerjee and Supriya Sule:
  These leaders also termed the EVM issue as unnecessary.

growing cracks in the opposition

Apart from the EVM controversy, differences among the opposition parties started coming out into the open.

1. Congress vs Omar Abdullah:
   Congress asked Omar, “Why did your language change after becoming CM?”
2. Akhilesh Yadav’s stance:
   • Despite fighting the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh with the Congress, Akhilesh Yadav preferred the Aam Aadmi Party platform in Delhi.
   • This is believed to be a strategy to put pressure on Congress.
3. Mamta Banerjee’s leadership claim:
   • Mamata Banerjee raised questions about the leadership in INDI Alliance.
   • TMC: Is demanding to make Mamata the leader of the alliance.
   • Sharad Pawar and Lalu Yadav: Both praised Mamata’s leadership abilities.
   • Lalu Yadav gave this statement to put pressure on Congress before seat sharing in Bihar.

Lack of coordination in INDI Alliance

There has been no major meeting of the INDI Alliance since June 4, 2024.

• Before the elections:
  Meetings were being held in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Patna.
• After the election:
  The lack of coordination and unity among the leaders is evident.

Future Politics: Will the INDI Alliance survive?

The current situation of INDI Alliance has raised doubts about the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

1. Challenges of alliance:
   • Differences regarding leadership.
   • Regional parties have their own agenda.
2. BJP’s strategy:
   • Is busy in strengthening the situation again with its allies.